Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| डिब्बा | ḍibbā | /ɖɪb.bɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| संदूक़ | sandūq | /sən.d̪uːq/ (Hindi, Standard) /sən.d̪uːk/ (Hindi, Standard) |
|
| बकस | bakas | ||
| बक्स | baks | masculine | |
| पेटी | peṭī | /peː.ʈiː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
The word डिब्बा refers to a cuboid space or a container. In certain colloquial contexts, it can also refer to a compartment or a small section of a larger object.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the size and nature of the container: डिब्बा is the most common, everyday word for small to medium-sized containers like a cardboard box or a food container. संदूक़ refers specifically to a large, heavy box or chest, often used for storing clothes or valuables. पेटी is a feminine noun used for a small box, a crate or a specialized case such as a jewelry box or a toolkit. बक्स is another masculine form for box.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the masculine noun बक्स, the form changes to बक्से when it is followed by a postposition, such as में (in) or को (to).
How do you pronounce it?
डिब्बा is pronounced as /ɖɪb.bɑː/. The syllables are ḍib-bā.
Did you know?
- The word संदूक़ has a long journey through history, starting from Ancient Greek σῠνθήκη and traveling through Aramaic, Arabic and Persian before entering Hindi.
- In colloquial speech, डिब्बा can be used metaphorically to describe an old, clunky piece of machinery or a poor quality car as being just a 'box'.
- In Indian railways, a डिब्बा refers to a coach, and the term is used for everything from a sleeper coach to a pantry car.
Examples in context
- बक्से में कितने सेब थे?How many apples were in the box?This sentence is useful for asking about the quantity of items inside the बक्स.Tatoeba #3786667 by sabretou, translation #3673484 by CK
- बक्से में एक गुड़िया है।There is a doll in the box.This sentence is useful for describing an object located inside the बक्स.Tatoeba #3315778 by sabretou, translation #282646 by CK
- यह बड़ा डब्बा काफी जगह लेगा।This big box will take up a lot of space.
- यह डिब्बा बहुत भारी है।Yah dibba bahut bhaari hai.This box is very heavy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Vikas and Neha are moving some items in their living room.
- विकास Vikasक्या तुमने वह डिब्बा देखा?Kya tumne vah dibba dekha?Did you see that box?
- नेहा Nehaनहीं, वह डिब्बा कहाँ है?Nahin, vah dibba kahaan hai?No, where is that box?
- विकास Vikasवह कोने में रखा है।Vah kone mein rakha hai.It is kept in the corner.
- नेहा Nehaठीक है, मैं उसे उठा लेती हूँ।Theek hai, main use utha leti hoon.Okay, I will pick it up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries डिब्बा, संदूक़, बकस, पेटी, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries डिब्बा, बकस, संदूक़, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
